Life can challenge us all - bereavement, mental illness, job loss, and health problems can tip the balance and begin a downward spiral.

Simple issues become multiple and complex, and the ability to maintain a home can become an overwhelming challenge.

Aberdeen Cyrenians is a local, independent charity that has been tackling homelessness for over 50 years; offering a helping hand to anyone in crisis to get them back on their feet. We provide valuable support and assistance to individuals and families that are homeless or at risk of losing their home.

Starting life as a soup kitchen organised by Aberdeen University students, Aberdeen Cyrenians has worked for five decades as a pioneer in service delivery creating initiatives such as Britain's first wet hostel, the first women's only residential project in Aberdeen, the first Rent Guarantee Scheme and many more.

Through our community projects and residential services in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, we help rough sleepers, couch surfers with no permanent address, people who struggle to maintain a tenancy due to mental health and addiction issues, ex-prisoners with nowhere to go and those who flee from violence, abuse or exploitation.

Supporting around 1,500 people per year, our work focuses on four key areas:

Prevention of homelessness - through outreach support and advice

Alleviation of homelessness - through short-term and medium-term accommodation places along with Housing First programme

Rehabilitation - tackling underlying issues such as domestic and sexual abuse, substance misuse and mental health

Resettlement - practical help to learn the skills needed to live in the community, sustain a tenancy and gain employment.